On 11/28/47, the Mayan was already showing adult-oriented films, which surprised me. The features that day were “Daughter of Ra – Life Among the Nudists (Adults Only)” and “The Strange Story of Man’s Way with Woman (Swedish Film)”. For anybody whose knowledge of Egyptian mythology is rusty, Ra was a sun god. He was a big deal in those days.

On 9/15/72, the Mayan was advertising “The Vice Girls” plus “Secret Infidelity”, both rated X. The ad also promises free popcorn, which I thought was a nice touch. Other theaters showing the same program (but without the free popcorn, I guess) were the Fine Arts in San Bernardino, the Ritz in Ontario, Savoy in San Diego, Roxy in Long Beach and Wilshire in Fullerton.

Just a note that this film/DVD is actually titled REFINEMENTS IN LOVE (not Reflections…). Besides the historical footage – also including behind-the-scenes shotsof Tobalina shooting a sex movie — be aware this is a very entertaining film —– darn near wacky.

A just released DVD called Reflections in Love (a film by Carlos Tobalina made in 1971, he operated the Mayan then) has lovely pictures of this theater’s exterior at night (including neon sign & marquee)—This would be when the Mayan was offering X-rated fare. There are also shots of the Las Palmas theater (another Tobalina house, marquee was showing “I Am Curious Tahiti”) with a crowd in front and some fire dancers performing in front of the theater. There is also filmed footage of the X 1 & 2 (exterior & lobby areas) showing a “filmed obscenity bust” which I suspect was a re-enactment. Tobalina himself does appear in the film being interviewed. The film is a cross of a “mondo” film with XXX marterial & some “educational” stuff.

Next door to the Mayan is the “Belasco Theater” (1050 S. Hill). It doesn’t show up in the Cinema Treasures listing for Los Angeles under that name. Is it documented under another name? Real Estate signs indicate it’s available for rent as a nightclub.

Having an interest in all things porn, a trip to the Mayan was something that had to happen.
Ech! A huge auditorium, and anti-masturbation trailers in both English and Spanish. Thrilling.
The toilets had streams of liquid coming out from them into the mezzanine area. Classy place.
This is from a visit in 1988. It was way beyond sleazy.

T'he Los Angeles Theatre' on South Broadway, LA is playing host to the UK television show ‘Dead Famous LIVE’. We are currently looking for people who would like to come along as part of the studio audience.

‘Dead Famous LIVE’ is a studio entertainment show all about Hollywood History and the paranormal. We will be welcoming celebrity guests on to the show and investigating famous locations around Hollywood which are rumoured to be haunted including the Los Angeles Theatre itself.

This is an invaluable chance to get access to the Los Angeles Theatre, the place where Charlie Chaplin’s ‘City Lights’ premiered in 1931 and to have a thoroughly great day out! (And its free!!)

We’re transmitting ‘Live’ back to the United Kingdom so expect it to be exciting and fun!

We will be filming on three days from 11th – 13th November between 11.30am – 4pm. If you are interested in coming on one or all of these days then email me for tickets!